Health Board issues COVID-19, flu and Norovirus advice to hospital visitors
By Lucy Ashton
Members of the public are being asked not to visit NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, flu or Norovirus.
Those who plan to visit loved ones in hospital should only do so if they are not displaying any symptoms and all visitors should wear a mask, if eligible, during their time on site.
Symptoms of Norovirus include:
- Suddenly feeling sick
- Projectile vomiting
- Watery diarrhoea
- Slight fever
- Headaches
- Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Continuous cough
- High temperature, fever or chills
- Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
- Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
- Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
- Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
Symptoms of flu include:
- A sudden fever
- A dry, chesty cough
- A headache
- Tiredness and weakness
- Chills
- Aching muscles
- Limb or joint pain
- Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- A sore throat
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our everyday life in recent years and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of the viruses and practicing good hygiene.
You can protect yourself and others by:
- Staying at home if unwell, have a fever or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or Norovirus
- Wearing a face covering in healthcare settings and not visiting loved ones if unwell
- Wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
- Cleaning hands and surfaces regularly
- Opening windows when meeting indoors
- Socialising outdoors when possible
Morag Gardner, Deputy Nurse Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Acute Division said: “During the winter months viral infections, such as COVID-19, flu and Norovirus, can further add to the pressures hard-working staff are facing across our sites.
“Our dedicated members of staff are working around the clock to continue to provide the highest standard of patient-centred care possible. To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses. We are also asking anyone who does attend the site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask during your time at the hospital.”
NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Department (A&E) across its sites if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening.
Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them:
1. Visit the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/
2. Call NHS24 on 111
3. Visit the NHSGGC website: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/
For very urgent or life-threatening emergencies, the public should continue calling 999 or attending A&E.